You don’t have to spend a lot of money to enjoy a fun-filled vacation in Baton Rouge.
This Louisiana metropolis is home to an endless array of exciting opportunities perfect whether you are traveling with loved ones, friends, or a significant other.
Discover places like stunning museums, historic buildings, iconic landmarks, gorgeous parks, vibrant districts, spectacular arboretums, and other outstanding tourist hotspots.
You can find the ideal activity or attraction to have a blast indoors, in vibrant neighborhoods, in a quiet locale, or amidst the beauty of the great outdoors.
Do you want to learn all the free things to do in Baton Rouge, LA, with your travel buddies?
Then, check out this list that I hand-picked just for you!
1. Louisiana State University Museum of Art
100 Lafayette St
Baton Rouge, LA 70801
(225) 389-7200
Louisiana State University Museum of Art is a campus museum that debuted in 1962.
It is also known as the LSU Museum of Art, with a collection of over 6,500 items.
Why We Recommend This Free Activity
Are you searching for free places to go in Baton Rouge this Friday?
Then, I recommend immersing yourself in breathtaking artwork at the Louisiana State University Museum of Art.
It boasts a massive collection featuring Chinese jade, local pieces, European paintings, decorative artwork, photography, sculptures, and numerous others.
It also holds several engaging activities and programs throughout the year, like artist talks, storytellings, art classes for kids, guided tours, yoga sessions, and so on.
Expert Tip
Admission is free on Fridays but only from 5 pm to 8 pm.
2. Mike the Tiger’s Habitat
16 N Stadium Dr
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
(225) 578-4823
Mike the Tiger’s Habitat is a highly acclaimed live Bengal tiger habitat at the Louisiana State University.
It serves as a significant graphic image representing all the university athletics teams.
Why We Recommend This Free Activity
You can enjoy several free things to do in Baton Rouge with kids, like visiting Mike the Tiger’s Habitat.
It is a magnificent Bengal tiger in an enclosed environment with lush greenery and a man-made pond.
It also features a beautifully-landscaped setting with oak trees, a waterfall, lovely plants, and rocky accents.
It is one of the most popular attractions in the area, welcoming roughly 100,000 visitors annually.
Expert Tip
After visiting this well-loved tiger habitat, replenish your energy by enjoying topping-loaded pizzas for reasonable prices at Fat Boy’s Pizza.
It is a two-minute drive away and offers pizza by the slice, jumbo pretzels, waffle fries, sliders, salads, chicken wings, and more.
3. North Sherwood Forest Community Park
3140 N Sherwood Forest Dr
Baton Rouge, LA 70814
(225) 275-0568
The North Sherwood Forest Community Park is a well-known outdoor attraction encompassing roughly 133 acres.
Why We Recommend This Free Activity
Enjoy free fun in Baton Rouge while spending quality time with your family this weekend at the North Sherwood Forest Community Park.
Some of its facilities include a lighted tennis court, a fitness station, rentable pavilions, a spray pad, a recreation center, a basketball court, and a three-acre lake.
It is the ideal place to spend some much-needed time under the sun with your kids as you enjoy a terrific picnic, have fun at the playground, or teach your youngsters how to ride a bike.
It has benches where you can rest your feet, paved paths ideal for jogging, and easy parking.
Expert Tip
If you want to go fishing here, make sure to get a valid Louisiana fishing permit.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: La Quinta by Wyndham Baton Rouge Denham Springs
Also See:
Free Things to Do in New Orleans, LA
Free Things to Do in Shreveport
4. Highland Road Park Observatory
13800 Highland Rd
Baton Rouge, LA 70810
(225) 768-9948
The Highland Road Park Observatory, established in 1997, is also known as the Baton Rouge Observatory.
It is an astronomical observatory at the 144.4-acre Highland Road Community Park.
Why We Recommend This Free Activity
There are several free attractions in Baton Rouge to explore to enjoy a one-of-a-kind tour.
Several astronomers working at this highly acclaimed destination have helped to discover at least 40 minor planets since 1998.
You can enjoy activities like stargazing, exploring the facility, learning about its state-of-the-art equipment, and more.
It also holds countless events in the morning and nighttime each month for a more interactive experience.
Expert Tip
If you want to enjoy a more informative and educational experience, visit on Fridays when it holds its Friday Night Lecture for no additional fees.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Renaissance Baton Rouge Hotel
5. Raising Cane’s Dog Park
13900 Harrells Ferry Rd
Baton Rouge, LA 70816
(225) 752-1853
Raising Cane’s Dog Park is a superb dog park stretching roughly 1.2 acres at the Forest Community Park.
Why We Recommend This Free Activity
Are you looking for free stuff to do with your four-legged companions?
Then, consider taking them to Raising Cane’s Dog Park.
It features two dog play areas where you can run around with your furry pets while playing fun games.
It also features amenities like a water station, pavilions, and benches.
Expert Tip
If you need to use the lavatory, the closest restroom in the area is near the Forest Park Tennis Center.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sleep Inn Baton Rouge East I-12
Related: Things to Do in Baton Rouge, LA
6. Louisiana State Capitol
900 North 3rd Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
(225) 342-7317
The State Capitol is the Louisiana seat of government, inaugurated in May 1932 along North 3rd Street in the downtown district.
It has been an official National Historic Landmark since 1982.
Why We Recommend This Free Activity
One of the most enjoyable free activities in Baton Rouge to enjoy with your travel buddies is going on a sightseeing tour today of its iconic landmarks, like the State Capitol.
It towers at 450 feet with 34 stories, making it the seventh tallest building in the state and the tallest skyscraper in Baton Rouge.
This stunning attraction features an Art Deco-style architectural design and a beautifully landscaped area encompassing 27 acres.
Here, you can take plenty of pictures to commemorate your visit, shop for souvenirs at the gift shop, go on guided tours, and more.
Expert Tip
Are you having a hard time deciding where to go and what to do?
Then, approach the friendly staff, and you can get Louisiana highway maps and brochures about local destinations and must-visit attractions.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: WATERMARK Baton Rouge, Autograph Collection
7. Old Governor’s Mansion
502 North Blvd
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
(225) 387-2464
The Old Governor’s Mansion was a former gubernatorial residence from 1930 to the early 1960s.
It is officially known as the Old Louisiana Governor’s Mansion and officially became a historic landmark in July 1975.
Why We Recommend This Free Activity
You can enjoy several free stuff in Baton Rouge, LA, such as touring its many outstanding historical tourist hotspots, like the Old Governor’s Mansion.
This magnificent attraction boasts a stunning Classical Revival-style architectural design, crystal chandeliers, velvet drapes, a marble staircase, French wallpaper, and eye-catching art pieces.
It sits on less than one acre of well-maintained property and was home to at least nine governors until 1963.
It also served as the Louisiana Arts & Science Museum headquarters until 1976.
Expert Tip
It offers several engaging and interactive programs throughout the year, like guided informative tours and monthly educational lectures.
Contact them ahead of time or check their website so that you can plan your visit accordingly.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: The Cook Hotel & Conference Center
8. Louisiana Art and Science Museum
100 S River Rd
Baton Rouge, LA 70801
(225) 344-5272
The Louisiana Art and Science Museum is a well-known museum located at the Baton Rouge Station, a historic train station constructed in 1925.
Why We Recommend This Free Activity
Are you on a budget but want to enjoy an educational tour experience with your loved ones or friends?
Then, I highly recommend visiting the Louisiana Art and Science Museum.
It boasts an impressive array of fascinating galleries featuring things like an Egyptian mummy from the Ptolemaic dynasty and a loaned triceratops skull.
It has a state-of-the-art planetarium and several temporary and permanent galleries featuring photographs, artifacts, paintings, and so on.
It also offers various informative shows at the planetarium and interactive exhibits specifically catered to your little ones.
Expert Tip
To enjoy the museum exhibits and unlimited Stargazing shows at the planetarium for free, visit on the first Sunday of every month.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Courtyard by Marriott Baton Rouge Downtown
9. Old State Capitol
100 North Blvd
Baton Rouge, LA 70801
(225) 342-0500
The Old State Capitol, also known as the State House, is a historical landmark constructed from 1847 to 1852.
It is now the Museum of Political History since its restoration in the 1990s.
Why We Recommend This Free Activity
Are you a history buff looking for what to do in Baton Rouge with your travel buddies?
Then, I highly recommend visiting the Old State Capitol.
It has a Gothic Revival architectural style, a spiral staircase, gorgeous stained glass windows, ADA-accessible facilities,
It offers complementary audio guides upon request and displays featuring historical artifacts, interactive galleries about former state governors, sculptures, paintings, and more.
It also has an onsite gift shop selling items like books, t-shirts, jewelry, playing cards, Christmas ornaments, tote bags, pillows, dish towels, and many others.
Expert Tip
I recommend booking the award-winning Ghost of the Castle Show for a cheap price.
It is an immersive, 12-minute, 4D theatrical presentation featuring the ghost of Sara Morgan, an authentic figure from the Civil War era.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hotel Indigo Baton Rouge Downtown, an IHG Hotel
Related: Things to Do in Baton Rouge with Kids
10. Veterans Museum
305 S River Rd
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
(225) 342-1942
The Veterans Museum, officially known as the USS KIDD Veterans Museum, was a former Fletcher-class destroyer from the 1940s to the 1960s.
It was first launched in February 1943 and nicknamed the Pirate of the Atlantic & Pacific.
Why We Recommend This Free Activity
You can find several fun and cheap things to do in Baton Rouge, like exploring the wonders of the Veterans Museum.
Here, you can learn about the USS KIDD’s contribution to several great conflicts, like World War II, the Korean War, and the Cold War.
Discover where the troops slept, view historical uniforms, explore the various officers’ rooms, take plenty of pictures backed by several artifacts, and so on.
It has a gift shop offering items such as hoodies, collapsible lanterns, baseball caps, t-shirts, tumblers, magnets, stuffed toys, water bottles, and other items.
Expert Tip
This museum offers limited free parking.
If spots are full, park your car at the River Center West Parking Garage.
It is within walking distance of this attraction and offers fair prices on regular days.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Sonesta ES Suites Baton Rouge University at Southgate
11. Red Stick Farmers Market
501 Main St
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
(225) 267-5060
The Red Stick Farmers Market is a vibrant farmers market in the downtown district.
Why We Recommend This Free Activity
Are you planning to stay in the city for a while?
Are you looking for where to buy affordable goods and quality produce?
Then, head on over to the Red Stick Farmers Market.
It has numerous vendors selling an array of items, like the freshest seafood, assorted veggies, seasonal fruits, quality meats, plants, and more.
It also offers freshly baked goods, local honey, goat cheeses, jelly, and other delectable treats.
It is within walking distance to countless attractions, hotels, dining establishments, historical landmarks, and so on.
Expert Tip
Did you come here by driving?
If you did, the nearest place to park your car is at the SP+ Parking, right across the street from the market.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn & Suites Baton Rouge Downtown
12. Downtown Baton Rouge
Downtown
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
(225) 389-5520
Downtown Baton Rouge is a lively neighborhood on the Mississippi River banks.
It is a walkable district home to an impressive array of hotels, dining choices, and tourist hotspots.
Why We Recommend This Free Activity
Enjoy a leisurely day with your travel buddies by strolling through the bustling streets of Downtown Baton Rouge.
Create memories you won’t soon forget by dining at its many fantastic eateries or shopping at budget-friendly stores.
You can discover attractions like the Louisiana State Capitol, Veteran’s Memorial Park, and the Capitol Park Museum.
Have a fun time with your friends or partner tonight by exploring its many vibrant bars, trying your luck at a casino, and other enjoyable options.
It also features several conveniences, like ATMs, banks, spacious parking garages, grocery stores, and public transportation systems.
Expert Tip
The Main Street Market is the perfect place to shop for affordable items when traveling on a budget.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Embassy Suites Baton Rouge
13. Baton Rouge Gallery
1515 Dalrymple Dr
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
(225) 383-1470
The Baton Rouge Gallery is a multi-media art gallery that opened its doors in 1965 at the City-Brooks Community Park, a 154-acre recreational park.
Why We Recommend This Free Activity
Spend a couple of hours indoors as you immerse yourself in breathtaking permanent and temporary art installations at the Baton Rouge Gallery.
It is the perfect place to take in mesmerizing contemporary multi-media artwork, like paintings, drawings, video art, sculptures, and other art forms.
It holds guided tours and several engaging events every month, like movie nights on its lawn, live music, art activities for all ages, artist talks, and so much more.
Expert Tip
It offers one of the most popular free events in Baton Rouge for art enthusiasts, the First Wednesday.
It boasts the latest selection of jaw-dropping art pieces by at least 70 regional and local artists.
It occurs on the first Wednesday of every month, except January and February.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: DoubleTree by Hilton Baton Rouge
14. Radio Bar
3079 Government St
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
(225) 810-6487
The Radio Bar is a trendy bar and eatery that debuted along Government Street in the commercial and residential neighborhood of Mid City South.
You can find it neighboring the Baton Rouge High School.
Why We Recommend This Free Activity
Catch up with your significant other or friends by having a terrific time together at the Radio Bar.
This highly acclaimed local hangout boasts an extensive selection of alcoholic drinks, like draft beer, creative co*cktails, seasonal specialties, fine wines, and tons more.
It features a patio for al-fresco dining, an industrial vibe, a full-service bar, accommodating staff, and reasonable rates.
Expert Tip
The best time to visit here is on Sundays because it offers free food from three to six in the afternoon.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Baton Rouge Marriott
15. Live After Five
222 North Boulevard
Baton Rouge, LA 70801
Live After Five is a spectacular concert series on Fridays from 5 pm until 8 pm during the spring and autumn seasons.
It takes place at the North Boulevard Town Square in downtown Baton Rouge.
Why We Recommend This Free Activity
Cap off a fabulous day of sightseeing and doing touristy activities by enjoying live performances of talented local and regional artists by attending Live After Five.
This concert series is one of the most popular free events in Baton Rouge, welcoming roughly 5000 visitors each week.
Expert Tip
Before heading to the concert, watch an awe-inspiring sunset at the Riverfront Plaza & City Dock.
It is a waterfront public park within walking distance of the North Boulevard Town Square.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Courtyard by Marriott Baton Rouge Acadian Centre/LSU Area
16. Hot Art Cool Nights
Mid City
Baton Rouge, LA 70809
The Hot Art Cool Nights is a free art festival happening in Spring.
It takes place throughout the Mid City neighborhood.
Why We Recommend This Free Activity
Are you an art enthusiast looking for free things to do in Baton Rouge?
Then, I recommend timing your visit during the annual Hot Art Cool Nights.
Bike or walk through the sprawling Mid City district as you explore an endless selection of captivating and vibrant art pieces.
You can view and purchase public artwork created by talented regional and local artists.
It is also the time when its streets are sprawling with merchants, photographers, painters, chefs, sculptors, jewelry makers, musicians, and the like selling and offering an array of items.
Expert Tip
If you don’t feel like walking, there is a free shuttle that spans the length of Jefferson Highway to the intersection of Government and 14th streets.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Tru By Hilton Baton Rouge Citiplace
17. Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, LA 70803
(225) 578-3202
The Louisiana State University is a public land-grant research university founded in 1860.
It is officially known as the Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College.
Why We Recommend This Free Activity
Go on a laid-back and educational tour with your family, partner, or friends by exploring the many superb facilities of the Louisiana State University.
Discover various fascinating points of interest, like a beautiful garden, a live Bengal tiger, libraries, historic buildings, at least 1,200 oak trees, and the like.
It is also home to four museums featuring various specialties, like art, natural science, natural history, and rural life.
Expert Tip
If you visit around noon, you can get the chance to listen to the Memorial Tower chiming the LSU alma mater while strolling through the university grounds.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Hampton Inn I-10 & College Drive
18. Atchafalaya Basin Bridge
Baton Rouge, LA 70517
The Atchafalaya Basin Bridge is two parallel bridges between Lafayette and Baton Rouge.
It is also known as the Louisiana Airborne Memorial Bridge and has a total length of 96,095 feet.
Why We Recommend This Free Activity
Bond with your companions without splurging on an expensive getaway by going on a memorable road trip along the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge.
It is one of the longest bridges in the world, passing through a welcome center, natural parks, and recreation areas.
As you make your way through its length, you can see stunning sceneries, like sparkling lakes, lush greenery, towering trees, and gorgeous landscapes.
Expert Tip
Learn more about its bridge and the surrounding landscape by stopping by the Atchafalaya Welcome Center, a tourist information center.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Holiday Inn Express Breaux Bridge, an IHG Hotel
19. Three Roll Estate
760 St Philip St
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
(225) 615-8044
The Three Roll Estate is a well-renowned distillery that debuted in 2017 in downtown Baton Rouge.
Why We Recommend This Free Activity
Take a break from touring as you relax over a couple of exquisite-tasting alcoholic beverages at the Three Roll Estate.
It boasts an expansive selection of seasonal specialties, rum, vodka, beer, and foreign-inspired options.
It has a casual setting, indoor and al-fresco spaces, friendly staff, and a lively atmosphere.
Expert Tip
If you can’t find a place to park your car by the distillery, I suggest the River Center East Parking Garage, within walking distance of the Three Roll Estate.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: TownePlace Suites by Marriott Baton Rouge Port Allen
20. Mall of Louisiana
6401 Bluebonnet Blvd
Baton Rouge, LA 70836
(225) 761-7228
The Mall of Louisiana, established in 1997, is a mid-scale shopping center with at least 180 stores and services.
Why We Recommend This Free Activity
Did you enjoy several free things to do in Baton Rouge, LA, to save up on a terrific shopping spree?
Then, I recommend heading to the Mall of Louisiana.
Some stores you can find include Dillard’s, Nordstrom Rack, Aldo, Forever 21, Hot Topic, H&M, Macy’s, Ulta Beauty, and more.
It also features a movie theater, one of the largest indoor carousels, and several eateries catering to all budgets, diets, and cravings.
Expert Tip
Don’t leave the mall without visiting the Blue Zoo Aquarium, where you can discover the magnificence of marine life without breaking the bank.
Recommended Hotel Nearby: Drury Inn & Suites Baton Rouge
Map of Free Things to Do in Baton Rouge, LA
20 Things to Do in Baton Rouge for Free in 2024
- Louisiana State University Museum of Art
- Mike the Tiger’s Habitat
- North Sherwood Forest Community Park
- Highland Road Park Observatory
- Raising Cane’s Dog Park
- Louisiana State Capitol
- Old Governor’s Mansion
- Louisiana Art and Science Museum
- Old State Capitol
- Veterans Museum
- Red Stick Farmers Market
- Downtown Baton Rouge
- Baton Rouge Gallery
- Radio Bar
- Live After Five
- Hot Art Cool Nights
- Louisiana State University
- Atchafalaya Basin Bridge
- Three Roll Estate
- Mall of Louisiana
